Flying Bark Productions is seeking visionary Mid and Senior 3D Animators to join our expanding team in Madrid. We are a studio built on the foundation of high-octane storytelling and visual boundary-pushing. If you have a passion for stylized aesthetics—ranging from the kinetic energy of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse to the painterly depth of Arcane—and you want to contribute to the legacy of franchises like Avatar: The Last Airbender, Ghostbusters, and Stranger Things, we want to hear from you.
As a 3D Animator at Flying Bark, you are more than a technician; you are a digital actor. You will be tasked with breathing life into complex characters, ensuring every micro-expression and weight-shift resonates with a global audience. This role is specifically for those currently based in Spain or Europe, with a strong preference for talent located in Madrid.
Job Overview: Mid / Senior 3D Animator
| Feature | Details |
| Company Name | Flying Bark Productions |
| Job Title | Mid / Senior 3D Animator |
| Location | Madrid, Spain (Remote/Hybrid options available) |
| Job Type | Full-Time, Maximum Term Contract |
| Department | 3D Animation |
| Experience Level | 4+ Years (Mid) |
| Required Software | Autodesk Maya (Expert Level) |
| Work Eligibility | Must be eligible to work in Spain (EU Citizen or Valid Visa) |
Estimated Salary Benchmarks (Madrid, Spain)
Please note: Final compensation is determined based on the candidate’s portfolio strength, specific years of industry experience, and the complexity of the assigned project.
| Level | Annual Salary Range (Gross) | Monthly Equivalent (Approx.) |
| Mid-Level 3D Animator | €38,000 – €48,000 | €3,160 – €4,000 |
| Senior 3D Animator | €50,000 – €68,000+ | €4,160 – €5,600+ |
About Flying Bark Productions
For over half a century, Flying Bark Productions has remained at the forefront of the animation industry. We are an independent powerhouse that prides itself on a “creator-first” mentality. Our portfolio spans from heartfelt 2D classics to the most sophisticated 3D feature films currently in production.
We don’t just “make” cartoons; we craft cinematic experiences. Our culture is defined by inclusivity, a shared love for the craft, and an environment where every artist is encouraged to grow. Whether it’s the whimsical world of Shaun Tan’s Tales From Outer Suburbia or the high-stakes action of the Avatar universe, we provide the canvas for your best work.
Detailed Job Responsibilities as 3D Animator
1. Character Performance & Artistry
- Life-Giving Animation: Transform static rigs into living, breathing entities. You will focus on high-end performance, ensuring that characters exhibit believable weight, physics, and, most importantly, soul.
- Stylistic Versatility: Adapt your animation style to match specific project “flavors.” We are currently focusing on stylized, anime-inspired, and non-photorealistic rendering (NPR) styles.
- Lip Sync & Facial Acting: Execute nuanced facial animation that captures the subtext of the script. You must be able to move beyond “standard” lip-sync to find the emotional truth in a character’s eyes and micro-gestures.
2. Technical Execution & Workflow
- Maya Mastery: Utilize Autodesk Maya to its full potential within a heavy production pipeline. You should be comfortable with complex rigs and custom studio tools.
- Blocking to Polish: Efficiently manage the animation lifecycle. This includes creating clear blocking passes for Director approval, refining timing and spacing, and delivering “final-pixel” polish that meets feature-film standards.
- Camera & Layout: While primarily focused on characters, you will also be responsible for animating cameras and objects to ensure cinematic continuity and narrative flow.
3. Collaborative Contributions
- Director Alignment: Work closely with the Animation Director and Lead Animators to ensure your shots align with the overarching vision of the Executive Producers.
- Feedback Integration: Actively participate in dailies. You must possess the professional maturity to take constructive criticism and pivot quickly to meet creative demands.
- Mentorship (Senior Level): For senior applicants, there is an expectation of helping guide junior/mid-level talent, troubleshooting technical hurdles, and setting the “gold standard” for the team’s output.
The Ideal Candidate: “About You”
Flying Bark Productions is looking for artists who eat, sleep, and breathe animation. You should have a “story-first” mindset, where every movement serves the plot.
Professional Requirements:
- Experience: A minimum of 4 years in a professional 3D production environment (Feature Film or High-End Episodic).
- Portfolio/Reel: Your reel must demonstrate a mastery of body mechanics and sophisticated facial performance. We are looking for “snappy” timing, clear silhouettes, and a deep understanding of the 12 Principles of Animation.
- The “Flying Bark” Aesthetic: We have a strong preference for portfolios that showcase mature, stylized, or anime-inspired work. If your style leans toward Entergalactic or The Witness (Love, Death, Robots), you will thrive here.
- 2D Bonus: While this is a 3D role, a background or foundational knowledge in 2D animation is a significant advantage, as many of our projects utilize 2D principles within a 3D space.
Soft Skills & Mindset:
- Narrative Intuition: An innate sense of “comic timing” and the ability to convey complex emotions through visual language alone.
- Communication: Exceptional English skills (both written and verbal) are mandatory, as we are a global studio with diverse teams.
- Problem-Solving: The ability to find creative solutions to technical rig limitations or schedule constraints without compromising quality.
- Deadlines: A proven track record of hitting milestones in a fast-paced environment.
| Category | Requirement |
| Primary Software | Autodesk Maya (Expert proficiency required) |
| Pipeline Tools | ShotGrid / Shotgun, SyncSketch |
| Fundamental Knowledge | Graph Editor, Rigging logic, Storyboard interpretation |
| Secondary Skills | Adobe Creative Suite, basic 2D animation, Cinematography |
- World-Class Projects: Very few studios offer the chance to work on Avatar, Stranger Things, and Ghostbusters under one roof. Your work will be seen by millions on the world’s largest platforms.
- Hybrid & Remote Flexibility: While we love our Madrid hub, we understand the modern artist’s need for flexibility. For the right candidate, full remote work within Spain/Europe is a viable option.
- A Cultivated Culture: Our employees consistently rate our culture as one of the best in the industry. We are dog lovers, coffee enthusiasts, and geeks at heart. We celebrate diversity and ensure that everyone—regardless of background—feels welcome.
- Career Evolution: We don’t want you to stay stagnant. We offer internal training, mentorship opportunities, and the chance to move across different styles and project types.
- Stable Employment: As a “Full-Time Max Term” role, we offer the stability of a standard contract with the excitement of project-based innovation.
Application Instructions
To be considered for this role, please ensure your application includes:
1. An Updated CV/Resume: Highlighting your production experience and software proficiency.
2. A Demo Reel Link: Ensure this is easily accessible (Vimeo/YouTube) and include a breakdown of exactly what you animated in each shot.
3. Portfolio Password: If your work is protected, please provide the password clearly.
Flying Bark Productions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Join us in Madrid and help us define the next generation of animation!
Important Details & Requirements Checklist
Note on Eligibility: You must be eligible to work in Spain. While we welcome talent from across Europe, local Spanish candidates will be given priority due to our regional production hubs.
Standard of Excellence: We receive a high volume of applications. Please ensure your reel highlights your best work first. We are looking for quality over quantity—show us those 30 seconds of pure, emotive character acting that prove you belong at Flying Bark.
Flying Bark Production Spain hiring 3D Animators, #Remote
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